Hair loss is a common occurrence among dogs. Hair loss can show up as spots of missing hair, thinning hair or large areas that are bald. There are many causes of hair loss, including allergies and mange. The treatment for the loss depends on the cause. Fortunately, many hair loss issues can be resolved with the help of your veterinarian, along with the proper medications.
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Antihistamines
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One of the most common signs of allergies in dogs is hair loss, states the Doctors Foster and Smith website. This hair loss commonly occurs because of the excessive scratching most dogs with allergies experience. The skin of dogs with allergies is typically very itchy, so the dog will continually scratch to relieve the discomfort. This excessive trauma can cause the hair to fall out. Veterinarians often prescribe antihistamines to control allergies. The antihistamines help to regulate the amount of histamine in the body, which causes the itchiness. Once the dog's itchy skin is eliminated and it stops scratching, the hair will likely come back.
Insecticides
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Dogs with mange will often experience hair loss as a result. Both demodectic and sarcoptic mange can cause a dog to lose its hair, states Dr. Holly Nash of Doctors Foster and Smith. When a dog has mange, it is actually infected by a mite. The mite will burrow into the dog's skin and wreak havoc. Dogs with sarcoptic mange experience intense itching and will often cause trauma to themselves from all the scratching, which can also cause the hair to fall out. Demodectic mange also causes hair loss as well, along with crusting and thickening of the skin. Both types of mange are treated with dips and medications that contain insecticides to kill the mites. Once the mites are gone, the hair will likely grow back.
Thyroid Supplementation
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Dogs with under-active thyroid glands, a condition that is called hypothyroidism, will often experience hair loss. In fact, according to Nash, hypothyroidism is the most common hormonal imbalance that affects the skin. Dogs with hypothyroidism often gain weight; have dry, brittle hair; can develop seborrhea and will lose their hair. Once a veterinarian has confirmed the thyroid issue, he can place the dog on medication that will regulate the thyroid gland and help to produce the normal amount of hormone. Once the thyroid is back to normal, the dog's hair will likely come back.
Antibiotics
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A common cause for hair loss among dogs is folliculitis, in which the hair follicles become infected, often with staph bacteria. Folliculitis typically causes small spots of hair loss. Antibiotics can often resolve the problem but they need to be taken for a long time. Dogs with folliculitis should take antibiotics for at least four weeks and then continue taking the medication 10 days after the symptoms resolve. Once the infection is cleared, the hair should grow back.
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